CN114232289A - Washing machine and control device - Google Patents

Abstract

A washing machine according to an aspect of the present invention includes: an input unit that inputs each of the washing treatment agents, which are contained in the plurality of cartridges, into the water tank; and a control device for controlling the input unit, the control device including: a first acquisition section that acquires first treatment agent information showing a washing treatment agent contained in at least one of the cartridges; a second acquisition unit that acquires second treatment agent information indicating a washing treatment agent used in the operation program; and a feeding unit that feeds a washing treatment agent from the selected cartridge into the water tank based on the first treatment agent information and the second treatment agent information.

Description

Washing machine and control device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing machine and a control device.

Background

For example, international publication No. 2019/039140 discloses a washing machine having an automatic liquid agent charging device for automatically charging a liquid agent such as a detergent liquid or a softener liquid.

The washing machine drives the pump of the automatic liquid agent feeding device to automatically feed the liquid agent in the detergent box and the liquid agent in the softener box into the drum.

Disclosure of Invention

However, in the above-described washing machine, a cartridge in which the detergent and the softener are put is determined in advance.

Accordingly, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a washing machine and a control device that can easily distinguish between a plurality of types of washing treatment agents.

A washing machine according to an aspect of the present invention includes: an input unit that inputs each of the washing treatment agents, which are contained in the plurality of cartridges, into the water tank; and a control device for controlling the input unit, the control device including: a first acquisition section that acquires first treatment agent information showing a washing treatment agent contained in at least one of the cartridges; a second acquisition unit that acquires second treatment agent information indicating a washing treatment agent used in the operation program; and a feeding unit that feeds a washing treatment agent from the selected cartridge into the water tank based on the first treatment agent information and the second treatment agent information.

A control device according to an aspect of the present invention is a control device for controlling an input unit that inputs each of washing treatment agents stored in a plurality of cartridges into a water tank, the control device including: a first acquisition section that acquires first treatment agent information showing a washing treatment agent contained in at least one of the cartridges; a second acquisition unit that acquires second treatment agent information indicating a washing treatment agent used in the operation program; and a feeding unit that feeds the washing treatment agent from the selected cartridge into the water tank based on the first treatment agent information and the second treatment agent information.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an internal configuration of the washing machine shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing the throw-in unit.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cartridge is mounted on the mounting portion.

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the cartridge is mounted on the mounting portion.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the washing machine.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the control device.

Fig. 8 is an example of a process flow related to the input control of the input unit by the control device.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing first treatment agent information.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing second treatment agent information.

Fig. 11 is an example of a processing flow related to notification control by the control device.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping description is omitted, and elements not directly related to the present invention may be omitted from illustration. The forms of the constituent elements shown in the present embodiment are always exemplary, and are not limited to these forms.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, a washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine 100. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an internal configuration of the washing machine 100 shown in fig. 1.

Washing machine 100 includes, for example, a casing 101, a water tank 102 housed inside casing 101, a drum 103 housed in water tank 102 and into which laundry such as laundry is put, and a door 104 for opening and closing an opening 102a of water tank 102.

The casing 101 surrounds the water tank 102. The casing 101 includes an upper surface portion 101a provided above the water tank 102, a bottom surface portion 101b provided below the water tank 102, a front surface portion 101c provided in front of the water tank 102, a back surface portion 101d provided on the back surface side behind the water tank 102, and side surface portions 101e and 101f provided on both sides of the water tank 102. For example, the upper surface 101a covers the upper side of the water tank 102. For example, the bottom surface 101b covers the lower part of the water tank 102. Front surface 101c, side surface 101e, back surface 101d, and side surface 101f are provided upright on bottom surface 101b, respectively, and cover the lateral periphery of water tub 102.

The water tank 102 stores washing water during a washing operation of the washing machine 100. The washing water is a liquid in which the washing treatment liquid is dissolved in water. For example, the water tank 102 is a bottomed cylindrical body having an opening 102a formed on the entire surface of one end. The water tub 102 is elastically supported by the support legs 102b to maintain an inclined posture in which one side of the opening 102a faces upward and the axis thereof is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane (a plane parallel to the installation surface of the washing machine 100).

A drum 103 as a washing tub is rotatably provided inside the water tub 102. Drum 103 is a bottomed cylindrical body having an opening 103a formed on the entire surface of one end. The drum 103 is formed to have a slightly smaller diameter than the water tank 102, and is housed inside the drum 103. Opening 103a of drum 103 is connected to an end of output shaft 103c of drum motor 103b provided at the center of the bottom of water tank 102 so as to be positioned substantially concentrically with opening 102a of water tank 102. Drum 103 is configured to rotate around output shaft 103c inside water tub 102. The circumferential wall of the drum 103 is formed such that a plurality of small holes 103d penetrate the entire surface thereof, for example. On the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the drum 103, for example, a plurality of baffles 103e extending in the axial direction are projected at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

A water supply pipe 110 is connected to the water tank 102. The water supply pipe 110 is located outside the housing 101, for example, and has a water supply connection port 110a to which a water supply source can be connected. A water supply valve 111 is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 110. The water supply valve 111 is, for example, a multiple solenoid valve having a plurality of water supply outlets. Water supplied from a water supply source is supplied to the water tank 102 through a water supply pipe 110 together with, for example, a washing treatment liquid supplied from a cartridge 150 described later by switching a water supply outlet through a water supply valve 111.

A drain hose 121 is connected to the water tank 102 via a drain pipe 120. The end of the drain hose 121 extends to the outside of the housing 101. A drain valve 122 is provided between the drain pipe 120 and the drain pipe 121. By opening and closing the drain valve 122, the washing water is stored in the water tank 102 or the washing water stored in the water tank 102 is discharged to the outside.

The door 104 is provided in the casing 101 so as to be openable and closable. The door 104 is supported openably and closably by a hinge (not shown) provided on the front surface 101c of the housing 101. The door 104 has a window 104a made of glass or a transmissive resin and a convex portion 104b protruding inward from the inner surface of the window 104 a. In a state where door 104 is closed, protruding portion 104b is in close contact with opening 102a of water tub 102, thereby preventing washing water from leaking to the outside of water tub 102 through opening 102 a.

Casing 101 includes operation unit 130 for receiving an operation instruction from a user to washing machine 100. The operation unit 130 is provided adjacent to the front side of the upper surface 101a of the housing 101. The operation unit 130 includes, for example, an operation panel for performing various operations and a display panel for displaying various images. In washing machine 100, for example, a series of processes such as a washing operation is executed by controlling operations of respective units by a control device 200 (see fig. 6) described later in accordance with an operation of operation unit 130.

In the above configuration, the washing operation in washing machine 100 is performed by, for example, supplying washing water into water tub 102 (drum 103) into which laundry is put, driving drum motor 103b, and tumbling drum 103. The laundry in drum 103 is immersed in the washing water, and the washing water enters drum 103 through small holes 103d, repeats lifting and dropping by guide plate 103e, and is knocked against the inner wall of drum 103 when dropped, thereby performing washing. Further, although the washing operation of the washing machine 100 is described, the washing machine 100 may be provided with a heater, a blower fan, and the like, and may function as a dryer for drying laundry in the water tub.

The loading unit 140 used in the automatic washing operation will be described with reference to fig. 3 to 5. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the throw-in unit 140. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where cartridge 150 is mounted on mounting portion 160. Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state where cartridge 150 is mounted on mounting portion 160. The input unit 140 is configured to input the washing treatment agent contained in the cartridge 150 into the water tank 102. The automatic washing operation is an operation mode in which the washing treatment agent contained in the cartridge 150 is automatically put into the water tank 102 to perform the washing operation.

As shown in fig. 3, the input unit 140 includes a mounting portion 160 to which the cartridges 150 can be mounted, a first supply path 170 connected to each of the mounting portions 160 and supplying the washing treatment agent, a first valve 171 provided in the first supply path 170, a pump 172 provided in the first supply path 170, a water supply path 180 to which water from a water supply source is supplied, and a water supply valve 111 provided in the water supply path 180.

As an example, the cartridge 150 is a container that stores a washing treatment agent. The detergent treatment agent is an agent for washing, and examples thereof include a detergent, a softener, and a bleaching agent. The cartridge 150 has a capacity to store an amount of the washing treatment agent capable of washing a plurality of times. In the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 has three cartridges 150. Each cartridge 150 has the same shape. For example, the cartridge 150 is detachably mounted on the mounting portion 160 constituting the input unit 140. Each cartridge 150 has the same configuration, but for convenience of explanation, the cartridge 150 mounted to a first mounting portion 161 described later is referred to as a first cartridge 151, the cartridge 150 mounted to a second mounting portion 162 described later is referred to as a second cartridge 152, and the cartridge 150 mounted to a third mounting portion 163 described later is referred to as a third cartridge 153.

The input unit 140 has a plurality of mounting portions 160 to which a plurality of cartridges 150 can be individually mounted. For example, the mounting portion 160 is formed to be recessed from the surface of the housing 101 toward the inside of the housing 101. The mounting portion 160 is provided on the upper surface 101a of the housing 101, for example. That is, the mounting portion 160 is provided so as to be recessed from the surface of the upper surface portion 101a of the housing 101 toward the inside of the housing 101. Mounting portion 160 is provided according to the number of cartridges 150 in such a manner that each cartridge 150 can be mounted. In the present embodiment, the input unit 140 has three mounting portions 160. Each mounting portion 160 has the same configuration, but for convenience of explanation, the mounting portion 160 located on the side (left side in fig. 4) on which first cartridge 151 is mounted is referred to as a first mounting portion 161, the mounting portion 160 located on the side (center side in fig. 4) on which second cartridge 152 is mounted is referred to as a second mounting portion 162, and the mounting portion 160 located on the side (right side in fig. 4) on which third cartridge 153 is mounted is referred to as a third mounting portion 163.

The input unit 140 has three mounting portions 160, but is not limited thereto as long as it has at least two mounting portions 160. The attachment portion 160 is provided on the upper surface portion 101a of the housing 101, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided on the front surface portion 101c, the side surface portion 101e, the rear surface portion 101d, the side surface portion 101f, and the like. Also, the washing machine 100 has three cartridges 150, but is not limited thereto, and it is only necessary to have at least two cartridges 150.

A state in which the first cartridge 151 is mounted to the first mounting portion 161 will be described with reference to fig. 5. The second mounting portion 162 and the third mounting portion 163 have the same configuration as the first mounting portion 161, and therefore, description thereof is omitted.

The first attachment portion 161 has a bottom surface 161a, a front side surface 161b standing on the front side among the bottom surfaces 161a, a rear side surface 161c standing on the rear side among the bottom surfaces 161a, and both side surfaces (not shown) standing on each side of the bottom surface 161 a. The bottom surface 161a is a surface on which the first cartridge 151 is placed. The bottom surface 161a is formed in a shape corresponding to the bottom surface of the first cartridge 151, so that the first cartridge 151 can be stably supported when the first cartridge 151 is placed. In addition, as an example, the bottom surface 161a has a shape gradually inclined downward from the front side surface 161b to the rear side surface 161 c.

The bottom surface 161a of the first mounting portion 161 has an opening 161d, and the opening 161d communicates with a first supply path 170 described later. The opening 161d has a shape into which the supply nozzle 151a formed in the first cartridge 151 is fitted. By placing the first cartridge 151 on the bottom surface 161a of the first mounting portion 161, the supply nozzle 151a is fitted to the opening portion 161d, and the interior of the first cartridge 151 communicates with the first supply path 170 through the opening portion 161 d.

As shown in fig. 3, an upstream-side end portion of the first supply path 170 is connected to each of the plurality of mounting portions 160. Specifically, the upstream-side end portion of the first supply path 170 is formed to branch toward each mounting portion 160. A first valve 171 is provided in a branch portion of the first supply path 170 that branches off toward each mounting portion 160, and the first valve 171 switches flow paths. The first valve 171 is, for example, a solenoid valve. A pump 172 is provided on the downstream side of the branch portion of the first supply path 170 that branches off toward the respective mounting portions 160. The downstream end of the first supply path 170 is connected to the water tank 102. The water supply path 180 is configured to merge with the first supply path 170. A water supply valve 111 is provided on an upstream side of a merging portion with the first water supply path 170 in the water supply path 180.

In the above configuration, washing machine 100 sucks up the washing treatment agent contained in cartridge 150 by driving pump 172. The sucked washing treatment agent is supplied to the water tank 102 by being merged with the water flowing through the water supply path 180 through the first supply path 170. The pump 172 is preferably configured to suck a predetermined amount of the washing treatment agent from the cartridge 150. Thereby, the amount of the washing treatment agent can be adjusted according to the driving time of the pump 172.

In addition, the washing machine 100 may be switched to the cartridge 150 communicating with the water tank 102 by switching the first valve 171. Therefore, the type of the washing treatment agent supplied to water tank 102 can be switched. In the present embodiment, first valve 171 is provided as a valve for switching cartridge 150 communicating with water tank 102, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a valve for opening and closing a branch flow path branching off toward each mounting portion 160 in first supply path 170 may be provided, and cartridge 150 communicating with water tank 102 may be switched by switching the open and closed states of these valves.

The washing treatment agent supplied to water tank 102 is mixed with water by being connected to water supply path 180 in the middle of first supply path 170 from pump 172 to water tank 102. Thereby, the washing treatment agent becomes diluted washing water, and is supplied to the water tank 102. Further, although washing machine 100 is configured to supply water downstream of pump 172, the present invention is not limited thereto, and washing machine 100 may be configured to supply water upstream of pump 172 and upstream of first valve 171, for example. In this case, the pump 172 and the first valve 171 may be flushed with water.

A manual washing operation using the manual input unit 190 will be described with reference to fig. 3 and 4. The manual washing operation is an operation mode in which the user puts the washing treatment agent required for the washing operation into the manual input unit 190 every time the washing operation is performed. The manual input unit 190 is provided in the housing 101 so as to be detachable from the housing 101. Manual input unit 190 is a container for storing the washing treatment agent to be supplied to water tank 102, and manual input unit 190 is provided independently from cartridge 150.

As an example, manual input unit 190 is provided in second supply path 191 from water supply valve 111 to water tank 102. When washing machine 100 performs the manual washing operation, water supply valve 111 is switched so that second supply path 191 is formed, and second supply path 191 reaches water tank 102 from water source connection port 110a via water supply valve 111 and manual input unit 190. Water is supplied from the water supply source to the water source connection port 110a and the water supply valve 111 through the water source connection port 110a and the water supply valve 111, mixed with the washing treatment agent contained in the manual input unit 190 to be washing water, and supplied to the water tank 102.

The control device 200 that controls the input unit 140 will be described with reference to fig. 6 and 7. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the washing machine 100. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of control device 200 of washing machine 100. The washing machine 100 includes a control device 200, a storage part 210, a communication part 220, a water supply valve 111, an operation part 130, a first valve 171, a pump 172, and a weight sensor 230. The control device 200 is constituted by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example. The control device 200 controls the washing machine 100 by reading and executing the programs and data recorded in the storage part 210.

The storage unit 210 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores a program executed by the control device 200 and various parameters recorded in the control device 200.

The communication unit 220 is an interface for connecting to a network to perform communication. As an example, the communication part 220 controls communication with the external device 300 provided independently of the washing machine 100. The external device 300 may be exemplified by a portable terminal or a server device.

The weight sensor 230 is a structure for detecting whether the cartridge 150 of the washing machine 100 is mounted to the mounting portion 160. For example, the weight sensor 230 can detect whether each cartridge 150 has been mounted to each mounting portion 160 by being mounted to a lower portion of each mounting portion 160 and detecting the weight of each cartridge 150. Note that weight sensor 230 is used as an example of a detection unit that detects attachment and detachment of cartridge 150, but is not limited thereto, and may be used as long as it detects whether or not cartridge 150 is attached to attachment unit 160, and for example, a distance measuring sensor may be used.

The control device 200 executes various processes in accordance with the programs and data recorded in the storage unit 210. In the present embodiment, the control device 200 executes a program to realize each functional block illustrated in fig. 7. The control device 200 functions as, for example, a first acquisition unit 201, a second acquisition unit 202, a determination unit 203, an input unit 204, and a notification control unit 205.

An example of a process flow related to the input control of the input unit 140 by the control device 200 will be described with reference to fig. 8.

First, the first acquisition part 201 acquires the first treating agent information D1, the first treating agent information D1 showing the washing treating agent contained in the at least one cartridge 150 (S101). Examples of the detergent treatment agent include a detergent, a softener, a bleaching agent, a fashion laundry detergent, and a fragrance softener. In the present embodiment, first treatment agent information D1 showing the washing treatment agent contained in each cartridge 150 is acquired in association with the contained cartridge 150 (or mounting portion 160). Each time the first acquiring portion 201 acquires the first treating agent information D1, it is recorded in the storage portion 210.

The first treating agent information D1 will be specifically described with reference to fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the plurality of first treatment agent information D1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 201. For example, in mode 1, the information obtained is: the first box 151 contains "detergent", the second box 152 contains "softener", and the third box 153 contains "fragrance softener". Likewise, in mode 2, the information acquired is: the first box 151 contains "detergent", the second box 152 contains "fashion laundry detergent", and the third box 153 contains "softener". Likewise, in mode 3, the information acquired is: the first box 151 contains "detergent", the second box 152 contains "bleaching agent", and the third box 153 contains "softener". Likewise, in mode 4, the information acquired is: the first cassette 151 contains "detergent", the second cassette 152 contains "softener", and the third cassette 153 does not contain detergent treatment agent. Likewise, in mode 5, the information obtained is: the first cartridge 151 contains "bleaching agent", the second cartridge 152 contains "softener", and the third cartridge 153 contains "fragrance softener".

As an example, the washing machine 100 includes an input unit for inputting the first treatment agent information D1. The input unit is, for example, the operation unit 130. By the user operating the operation portion 130, information showing the washing treatment agent contained in each cartridge 150 (first treatment agent information D1) is input into the control device 200, and the first treatment agent information is acquired by the first acquisition portion 201. The first treatment agent information D1 acquired by the first acquisition part 201 is information showing the washing treatment agent contained in at least one cartridge 150. In the present embodiment, the operation portion 130 is used as an input portion, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the first treatment agent information D1 may be input by voice recognition.

Further, the first acquiring part 201 acquires the first treating agent information D1 by operating the operating part 130 provided in the washing machine 100, but is not limited thereto, and for example, the first treating agent information D1 may also be acquired from the external apparatus 300 via the communication part 220. The external device 300 may be, for example, a portable terminal or a server apparatus.

Next, the second acquiring unit 202 acquires the second treating agent information D2, the second treating agent information D2 indicating the washing treating agent used in the operation program (S102). As an example, the storage unit 210 of the control device 200 stores operation contents of a plurality of operation programs. Specifically, the storage unit 210 records, for each operation program, the presence or absence of various programs (for example, a washing program, a rinsing program, a dewatering program, and the like), the time of various steps, the type of detergent used, the amount of detergent used, the time of putting the detergent into the water tank 102, the amount of water to be put into the water tank, and the like in advance. As an example, the second acquiring unit 202 acquires the second treating agent information D2 by reading information showing the washing treating agent associated with various operation courses from the data recorded in the storage unit 210.

The second treating agent information D2 will be specifically described with reference to fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second treatment agent information D2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 202. For example, when the operation program is the "standard program", the second acquisition unit 202 acquires information on the use of the "detergent" and the "softener". Likewise, when the running program is a "fashion garment program", information on the use of "fashion garment detergent" and "softener" is acquired. Similarly, when the running program is the "stubborn stain program", information on the use of "detergent", "bleach" and "softener" is acquired. Likewise, when the running program is the "user setting program", information on the use of the "fashion laundry detergent" and the "fragrance softener" is acquired.

The second acquiring section 202 acquires the second treating agent information D2 by reading data recorded in advance in the storage section 210, but is not limited thereto, and the second treating agent information D2 may be set by the user himself, for example. In this case, the user may set the operation contents of the operation program including the second treating agent information D2. The "user setting program" shown in fig. 10 is an example of an operation program in which the user himself/herself sets the operation content. When the user sets the operation contents, the user may set the operation contents through the operation unit 130, or the operation contents set in the external device 300 (for example, a portable terminal) may be transmitted to the control device 200 (the second acquisition unit 202) of the washing machine 100 through the communication unit 220.

Next, the determination unit 203 determines the cartridge 150 to be used in the operation program based on the first treating agent information D1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 201 and the second treating agent information D2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 202 (S103).

For example, when the first treating agent information D1 is the mode 1 shown in fig. 9, and the operation program is the "standard program", the first cartridge 151 containing the "detergent" and the second cartridge 152 containing the "softener" are judged as the cartridges to be used in the "standard program". Likewise, for example, when the first treating agent information D1 is mode 2 shown in fig. 9 and the running course is the "fashion clothes course", the second cartridge 152 containing the "fashion clothes detergent" and the third cartridge 153 containing the "softener" are judged as cartridges to be used in the "fashion clothes course". Similarly, for example, when the first treating agent information D1 is mode 3 shown in fig. 9 and the running program is the "dirty clothes program", the first cartridge 151 containing the "detergent", the second cartridge 152 containing the "bleaching agent", and the third cartridge 153 containing the "softening agent" are judged as the cartridges to be used in the "dirty clothes program".

Then, it is determined whether the input unit 204 executes any operation program through the operation unit 130 or the communication unit 220 (S104). When it is determined that the input unit 204 has executed any operation routine (YES in S104), the input unit 204 outputs a control signal for controlling the water supply valve 111, the first valve 171, the pump 172, and the like so that the washing treatment agent contained in the cartridge 150 determined (selected) in the determination unit 203 is supplied to the water tank 102(S105), and the process flow is ended. When it is determined that the input unit 204 is not executing the operation routine (S104: NO), the process flow ends.

Further, the first treating agent information D1 is acquired in S101, and the second treating agent information D2 is acquired in S102, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the second treating agent information D2 may be acquired in S101, and the first treating agent information D1 may be acquired in S102.

The determination as to whether or not any operation routine is executed is made at S104, but is not limited to this, and may be made at a stage prior to S105, and may be made at a time point when the process flow related to the input control of the input unit 140 shown in fig. 8 starts, for example.

Further, in S103, when the cartridge 150 to be used is determined based on the first and second treating agent information D1 and D2, the washing treating agent used in the operation program is not contained in the cartridge 150, that is, the cartridge 150 to be used does not exist, the washing machine may be switched from the automatic washing operation to the manual washing operation, or the user may be notified that the washing treating agent used in the operation program is not contained in the cartridge 150.

In the above configuration, washing machine 100 includes input unit 140 for inputting laundry treatment agent stored in each of plurality of cartridges 150 into water tub 102, and control device 200 for controlling input unit 140, and control device 200 includes first acquiring unit 201 for acquiring first treatment agent information D1, second acquiring unit 202 for acquiring second treatment agent information D2, and input unit 204 inputs washing treatment agent from selected cartridge 150 into water tub 102 based on first treatment agent information D1 and second treatment agent information D2, thereby enabling washing treatment agent to be input into water tub 102 from cartridge 150 used in the operation program. Since it is not necessary to determine in advance the type of each cartridge 150 and the washing treatment agent contained in each cartridge 150, for example, an error in putting "detergent" into the conditioner cartridge does not occur, and it becomes easy to use a plurality of washing treatment agents separately.

In addition, since there is an input section for inputting the first treatment agent information D1, the user himself or herself can set the first treatment agent information D1 in association with each cartridge 150.

Further, since the communication unit 220 for communicating with the external device 300 is further provided, and the first acquiring unit 201 acquires the first treating agent information D1 from the external device 300 through the communication unit 220, the first treating agent information D1 can be set even if the user himself is at a position away from the washing machine 100.

The washing machine 100 preferably has at least three mounting parts 160, and the at least three mounting parts 160 are capable of allowing a plurality of cartridges 150 to be individually mounted. In other words, the washing machine 100 is preferably provided with at least three cartridges 150. By providing at least three mounting portions 160, a greater variety of types of washing treatment agents can be stored, and the various types of washing treatment agents can be easily used.

In addition, washing machine 100 preferably has a plurality of mounting portions capable of individually mounting a plurality of cartridges 150 having the same shape. In other words, the washing machine 100 is preferably provided with a plurality of cartridges 150 having the same shape. Since there are a plurality of mounting portions to which a plurality of cartridges 150 having the same shape can be individually mounted, mutual replacement of a plurality of cartridges 150 becomes easy. In addition, by making each of the plurality of cartridges 150 have the same shape, it is possible to achieve suppression of manufacturing cost based on component-making of components.

The washing machine 100 may also be configured such that the number of cartridges 150 is greater than the number of mounting portions 160. For example, the washing machine 100 may be configured such that there are three mounting portions 160 and five cartridges 150. The five kinds of laundry treatment agents, "detergent", "softener", "bleach", "fashion laundry detergent", and "fragrant softener", are respectively contained in the cartridge 150, and the cartridge 150 that is not mounted to the mounting portion 160 (for example, the cartridge 150 containing the "fashion laundry detergent" and the "fragrant softener") is, for example, contained in a rack or the like near the washing machine 100. When the "fashion laundry detergent" is used, the cartridge 150 in which the "fashion laundry detergent" is accommodated can be taken out of the rack and replaced with one cartridge 150 mounted on the mounting portion 160, so that a desired operation program can be easily executed.

In the first processing agent information D1 shown in fig. 9, the types of washing processing agents contained in the respective cartridges 150 are different from one another, but this is not limitative, and the same type of washing processing agent may be contained in a plurality of cartridges 150. For example, one washing treatment agent, which is frequently used or used in a large amount per operation, may be contained in a plurality of cartridges 150.

An example of a process flow related to notification control by the control device 200 will be described with reference to fig. 11.

As an example, when the notification control section 205 detects a state where one or more cartridges 150 have been taken out (S201), the notification section is controlled to notify the first treating agent information D1 (S202). The notification control section 205 detects a state where one or more cartridges 150 have been taken out by the weight sensor 230. As the notification unit, for example, a display panel (hereinafter, also referred to as a display unit) constituting the operation unit 130 is used. The notification control section 205 controls the display section to display the first treating agent information D1. As an example, the notification controller 205 controls the first treating agent information D1 to be displayed on the display unit of the washing machine 100, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the notification controller may control the first treating agent information D1 to be displayed on the external device 300 (for example, a portable terminal). The operation unit 130 (display unit) is used as the notification unit, but the notification unit is not limited to this, and for example, a sound output unit (not shown) or the like may be used.

Further, in the washing machine 100, the display part is provided in the casing 101, but this is not limited thereto, and for example, the display part may be provided in each of the cartridges 150, respectively. In this case, the display may also be configured to display information of the washing treatment agent corresponding to (contained in) each cartridge 150.

When the state in which the cartridge 150 has been removed is detected, the notification control unit 205 determines whether or not the first treating agent information D1 has been changed (S203). The notification controller 205 determines whether or not the first treating agent information D1 has been changed by displaying a screen on which the user selects whether or not the first treating agent information D1 has been changed. When the notification controller 205 determines that the first treating agent information D1 has been changed (S203: yes), the first treating agent information D1 is updated (S204). When the notification controller 205 determines that the first treating agent information D1 has been changed, the first treating agent information D1 is updated by displaying a screen on which the user selects information indicating that a new washing treating agent is contained in the cartridge 150 that has been removed. By updating the first treatment agent information D1, even when the washing treatment agent contained in the cassette 150 is changed, the changed washing treatment agent can be fed into the water tank 102 by the input unit 140. When the notification control unit 205 determines that the first processing agent information D1 has not been changed (S203: NO), the process returns to S201.

Note that the notification control unit 205 may control a notification unit (e.g., a display unit, a sound output unit, or the like) to notify a user of information to be notified when a state in which the cartridge 150 has been removed is detected. By controlling the notification unit to notify information that reminds the user of it, for example, when the cartridge 150 has been removed, erroneous mounting of each cartridge 150 can be suppressed.

Further, the notification controller 205 notifies the first processing agent information D1 when detecting a state in which the cartridge 150 has been removed, but is not limited to this, and may notify the first processing agent information D1 regardless of whether or not the cartridge 150 has been removed.

In the above configuration, the washing machine 100 includes the notification unit (display unit) that notifies the first treatment agent information D1, thereby allowing the type of the washing treatment agent contained in each cartridge 150 to be confirmed.

In addition, in washing machine 100, a plurality of cartridges 150 are detachably provided, washing machine 100 includes a detection unit (weight sensor 230) for detecting the attachment and detachment of each cartridge 150, and a notification unit (display unit) notifies that the state in which at least one cartridge 150 has been removed has been detected by the detection unit, so that the user himself/herself can confirm the type of the washing treatment agent contained in cartridge 150 removed from mounting unit 160. Therefore, an error in the input of the washing treatment agent into the cartridge 150 can be effectively prevented.

In addition, in washing machine 100, a plurality of cartridges 150 are detachably provided, washing machine 100 includes a detection unit (weight sensor 230) for detecting the attachment and detachment of each cartridge 150, and a notification unit (display unit) notifies a user of information to be noticed when the detection unit detects that a cartridge 150 has been removed, thereby suppressing erroneous attachment of a plurality of cartridges 150. In addition, the washing machine 100 may be provided with a plurality of cartridges 150 in a detachable manner, the washing machine 100 may include a detection unit configured to detect attachment and detachment of each cartridge 150, and the notification unit may notify a user of a notice when the detection unit detects a state in which the cartridge 150 is attached, that is, when the detection unit detects a state in which the cartridge 150 is removed and the detection unit detects a state in which the cartridge 150 is attached. Since the notification unit is configured to notify information or the like for calling attention when the cartridge 150 has been mounted after it has been removed, erroneous mounting of the cartridge 150 or the like can be suppressed.

Further, as an example, the control device 200 of the washing machine 100 functions as the first acquisition unit 201, the second acquisition unit 202, the determination unit 203, the input unit 204, and the notification control unit 205, but is not limited thereto, and for example, the external device 300 (e.g., a server device) may have the above-described function, and for example, the external device 300 (e.g., a portable terminal) may have the above-described function.

Further, the information showing the washing treatment agent contained in each cartridge 150 (first treatment agent information D1) is input to the control device 200 by the user operating the operation unit 130, and the first acquisition unit 201 acquires the first treatment agent information D1, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first treatment agent information D1 may be acquired by, for example, detecting the kind of the washing treatment agent contained in the cartridge 150. Examples of the detection method of the kind of the washing treatment agent contained in the cartridge 150 include a sensor for measuring the transmittance of the washing treatment agent, a camera, and the like. As a method of managing the washing treatment agent contained in the cartridge 150, for example, an IC tag such as an RFID may be attached to each cartridge 150, or a label, a stamp, or the like may be attached to each cartridge 150.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made. For example, a configuration substantially the same as that described in the above embodiment, a configuration having the same operational effects, or a configuration capable of achieving the same object may be substituted.

Claims (8)

1. A washing machine, characterized by comprising:

an input unit that inputs each of the washing treatment agents, which are contained in the plurality of cartridges, into the water tank; and

a control device for controlling the throw-in unit,

the control device is provided with:

a first acquisition section that acquires first treatment agent information showing a washing treatment agent contained in at least one of the cartridges;

a second acquisition unit that acquires second treatment agent information indicating a washing treatment agent used in the operation program; and

and a feeding unit that feeds the washing treatment agent from the selected cartridge into the water tank based on first treatment agent information and second treatment agent information.

2. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, comprising

An input section for inputting the first treatment agent information.

3. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

a communication section for communicating with an external device,

the first acquisition portion acquires the first treatment agent information from the external apparatus via the communication portion.

4. A washing machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

a notification section for notifying the first treatment agent information.

5. A washing machine according to claim 4,

the plurality of cartridges are detachably provided,

the washing machine includes a detection part for detecting attachment and detachment of each of the cartridges,

the notification unit notifies that at least one of the cartridges has been removed after the detection unit detects that the cartridge has been removed.

6. The washing machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

at least three mounting portions capable of individually mounting the plurality of cartridges.

7. A washing machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by having:

a plurality of mounting parts capable of individually mounting the plurality of cartridges having the same shape.

8. A control device for controlling an input unit that inputs each of washing treatment agents contained in a plurality of cartridges into a water tank, the control device comprising:

a first acquisition section that acquires first treatment agent information showing a washing treatment agent contained in at least one of the cartridges;

a second acquisition unit that acquires second treatment agent information indicating a washing treatment agent used in the operation program; and

and a feeding unit that feeds a washing treatment agent from the selected cartridge into the water tank based on the first treatment agent information and the second treatment agent information.

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